Today we are going to talk about the Ford roof rack weight limit. If you exceed the maximum weight capacity, which can make your car unstable, losing control while driving. That’s why everybody should be careful about how much they can load their car roof to avoid any risks.
The maximum roof rack weight for a Ford could be as low as 0 lb (for example, Ford Escape 2021 with moonroof) and as high as 200 lbs (for example, Ford Expedition 2021 without moonroof).
There is something dangerous if you load on the roof rack; you should remove it from the roof. Please read on to find out the details.
The Weight a Ford Roof Rack Can Hold
According to the Ford owners manual:
Expedition Roof Rack Weight Limit
- 2018-2021: 125 lb (56 kg) (vehicles with moonroof)
- 1997-2021: 200 lb (90 kg) (vehicles without moonroof)
Ford Expedition is a full-size, extended-length sport utility vehicle (SUV) version of the Ford F-150 pickup truck. It was introduced in January 1997 and produced nearly 20 years by Ford Motor Company.
Ford Expedition without moonroof can have a maximum of 200 lbs(90kg) loaded on the roof. Ford Expedition with moonroof is only allowed to have a maximum weight of 125 lb(56kg) load, including the weight of rack and accessories.
Escape Roof Rack Weight Limit
Ford Escape with Moonroof
- 2020-2021: 0 lb (0kg)
- 2013-2019:45 lb (20kg)
Ford Escape Without Moonroof
- 2001-2021: 100 lb (45kg)
Ford Escape is a range of small to mid-size sport utility vehicles (SUVs) produced by Ford. Introduced in the 2000 model year, it was named the North American Truck of 2001.
Ford Escape without moonroof is allowed to have a maximum roof rack weight of 100 lb(45kg) load on the roof rack, including its weight and accessories. However, Ford Escape with moonroof is only allowed to have 45 lbs(20kg) load on the roof, which means that no more than 20kg can be put on the car roof rack with this SUV.
However, Ford Escape 2020-2021 model with a moonroof is not recommended to load your cargo on the roof (0 lb). If you pack anything on your roof, you will be at your own risk and may void your car warranty.
Explorer Roof Rack Weight Limit
Vehicles with Moonroof
- 2020-2021: 75 lb (35 kg)
- 2016-2019: 45 lb (20 kg)
Vehicles without Moonroof
- 2020-2021: 165 lb (75 kg)
- 2006-2019: 100 lb (45kg)
- 1999-2005: 200 lbs (90kg)
- 1996-1998: 100 lb (45kg)
Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by Ford since 1996. Explorer also has the highest towing capacity of any SUV in its class.
The model years of Ford Explorer and the design with or without moonroof will determine the maximum load weights on the roof rack. Range from 45 lbs (20kg) to 200 lbs (90kg), including the weight of the rack. Please check the details information above.
Edge Roof Rack Weight Limit
Vehicles with a moonroof
2021: 0 lb (0kg)
Vehicles without a moonroof
2007-2021: 100 lb (45 kg)
Ford Edge is a mid-size SUV manufactured since 2007 by Ford. The Edge was previewed at the 2006 North American International Auto Show as a concept vehicle, with the production version debuting in late 2006 for the 2007 model year.
Ford Edge without moonroof is allowed to have 100 lbs(45kg) load on the roof rack, including its weight and accessories. Ford Edge with moonroof is not recommended any load on the roof, which means that 0 lb can be put on this car with a moonroof.
Excursion Roof Rack Weight Limit
2000-2005: 200 lb (90 kg)
Ford Excursion is a full-size, extended-length sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by the Ford Motor Company from 2000 to 2005. It was marketed in North America under the Ford brand and Mercury brand.
The maximum weight allowed on the roof rack is 200 lb(90kg), including the weight of the rack and accessories.
Flex Roof Rack Weight Limit
2009-2019: 100 lb (45kg)
Ford Flex is a crossover SUV produced by Ford. It is the second vehicle labeled a “crossover” to be marketed by Ford.
Ford Flex is allowed to have 100 lbs(45kg) of load on the roof, including its weight and accessories.
Freestyle Roof Rack Weight Limit
2005-2007: 125 lbs (57 kg)
Ford Freestyle is a mid-size crossover manufactured by Ford from 2005 to 2007.
The maximum weight allowed on the roof rack is 125 lb(57kg), including the weight of the rack and accessories.
Transit Roof Rack Weight Limit
Low-Roof
2020-2021: 419 lb (190kg)
Medium-Roof
2020-2021: 331 lb (150kg)
High-Roof
2020-2021: 220 lb (100kg)
Maximum Load Value (Inside Van):
2015-2021: 1125 lb(5,000N)
Ford Transit is a range of vans (panel vans, pickup trucks, and chassis cabs) manufactured by Ford since 1965. It is the best-selling van in North America.
There are three types of Ford Transit: Low Roof, Medium Roof, and High-roof.
The maximum weight allowed on the Low Roof van’s roof rack is 419 lb(190kg), including the weight of the rack and accessories. No more than 331 lb (150kg) can be put on Medium Roof Van models. There’s a 220 lbs(100kg) limit for High Roof Vans models.
Things to consider before putting a load on a Ford
If you put a load on the Ford roof rack, please keep in mind that it will impact your car’s handling and fuel economy.
It is not recommended to place any luggage on the rack when driving at high speed for a long distance, which may cause a problem with vehicle stability and a higher likelihood of an accident.
Here are the things to be considered before putting a load on the roof racks of Ford vehicles.
You need to consider the balance.
The weight of luggage should be distributed evenly around the roof rack. Balance is crucial for avoiding car accidents, especially at high speed.
If you have too much weight on one side, the center of gravity will be changed, and it may cause a problem with vehicle stability and the potential for an accident.
Heavy items should be evenly distributed and close to the center of the roof rack. You should avoid placing heavy items on the edges of car roofs which may cause a problem with vehicle dynamics and lead to an accident.
Consider the height and center of gravity.
The height of the load should be considered because it may affect the car’s center of gravity.
The center of gravity is a center from which objects are equally balanced, with all points being equally distant from this point. Therefore, including the height of luggage in your calculation can reduce the likelihood of an accident.
The center of gravity will be higher if you put heavy and bulky objects on the roof rack. Your car will be easier to flip over if the center of gravity is too high.
You should also find out the maximum height allowed on the road before putting a load on the roof rack, so you don’t hit anything on the road, like overpasses, street lights, pedestrian bridges, trees, wire, or signs.
Consider the weight
Do not exceed the maximum load limit, which will put your vehicle at risk for accidents and problems with stability during high-speed driving.
Please make sure to check your Ford roof rack weight limit information above for your vehicle model before packing weight onto the rack.
Consider the ease of accessibility.
It would be best if you considered how to get your items in and out of the car. If they are in the trunk, you can access them easily.
However, if your items are on the roof rack, it may be very difficult to get in or out of your vehicle, especially when they’re heavy.
Don’t put items on the roof rack that you need to access frequently.
When putting heavy items on top of a high vehicle, consider how far they are from all sides of the car so you won’t have to climb or jump off the car every time you want something out of it. It may cause serious injury if someone else is around when trying this type of activity.
Consider the weather.
You should be aware of the weather forecasts before putting a load on top of your vehicle.
If there’s a strong wind, rain, or snow forecasted, you should avoid putting anything on top of the car, especially when it may cause any problems with vehicle stability.
Wind speeds often increase with height. Therefore, when driving with bulky items on your Ford roof rack at high speed, you should consider the potential for these items to change or affect your vehicle’s stability.
Fasten all the items on the roof rack.
Please remember that it is illegal to drive with an unsecured load on top of your car.
If the items you put on the rack are not fastened securely, there’s a possibility they could blow off and hit other road users or pedestrians.
You should always tie down any luggage or objects to the car’s roof rack with a sturdy rope to prevent objects from flying off and causing injury to road users.
You should also check what you’re allowed to do in your location, as some areas may have more strict laws or regulations about driving with loads on the car roof. If you’re not sure what the legal requirements are where you drive, it would be best to find out before doing it.
Think about wind resistance
You should also think about wind resistance.
Tall or bulky items like luggage or camping gear could increase the wind drag on your car and may even affect your car’s ability to go at high speeds efficiently.
Please make sure to keep the distribution of weight in mind when packing heavy objects onto racks on top of a vehicle.
Things to Avoid on the Ford Roof Rack
For safety purposes, you should avoid putting the following items on top of your vehicle.
Avoid all the liquids from the roof rack.
Please remove all liquids, such as water, fuel, or oil, from your Ford roof rack. The liquids will shift when the car is moving, which may cause you to lose balance.
If the container on the roof is leaking or has a crack in it, it could become a danger while driving or braking.
Please keep all liquids away from your Ford roof rack.
Avoid too heavy items on one side.
Please always keep this in mind while putting heavy objects on top of your car so you can avoid unnecessary risks and accidents.
If you’re putting heavy items on the roof rack, it is best to distribute them evenly.
It will help if you put them on both sides of the roof rack in an even manner.
If they are unevenly distributed, it could cause unbalance when driving or braking, which may affect the stability of your car.
Avoid too bulky items.
Please do not put too heavy or bulky items on top of your Ford roof rack.
If they are too bulky, the wind resistance will increase dramatically.
If you’re driving on a highway, it may affect your control over the car greatly.
Avoid loose items.
Please always make sure to secure all items on the roof rack.
If the items are not securely fastened, they may come off and hit pedestrians or other road users, which can cause severe injury or even death to them.
It is best to tie them down with ropes while putting them on top of your Ford roof rack.
If they are not tied down, you could lose grip, and they may come off while driving or braking.
Avoid driving fast and making sharp turns.
Please do not drive too fast or make a sharp turn with a load on top of your Ford roof rack because it could significantly affect your control over the car.
If you’re making a sharp turn, the load may shift and unbalance the car.
You could lose control over the vehicle easily and cause an accident or damage to your car.
Please drive safely and keep the weight of the items on your roof rack in mind.
When driving, you should always think about road conditions, safety precautions, and sticking to legal requirements.
You should also check what you’re allowed to do in your location as there may be more strict laws or regulations where you live depending on where you drive.
If you are not sure of the legal necessities, it would be best to find out before doing so.
Avoid packing without a roof rack.
If you don’t have a roof rack on your Ford vehicle, it is best to avoid putting the luggage or objects in the car.
Load heavy items on your Ford roof without a roof rack may damage the roof or your car’s paint. Please keep this in mind: the car roof is not designed for carrying heavy objects.
What not to pack on a Ford roof
Things you should never put onto a Ford roof rack include:
- Liquids.
- Loose items that can fall off and hit someone or something.
- Sharp, jagged edges or items with sharp points.
- Items that are over height, over width, or overweight.
- And, of course, items exceed load capacity.
How do you pack your items on the roof rack?
1) The heavier things should be placed as low as possible on the Ford roof rack.
2) Please distribute all heavy and bulky objects evenly on both sides of the roof rack.
3) Make sure that everything is completely secured before you start driving with it on top of your car. It is best to tie them down with ropes while putting them on top of your Ford roof rack.
4) Please keep the items within the boundaries of your roof rack.
5) The items should never exceed the load capacity of your roof rack.
6) You should always check out what you’re allowed to do in your location as there may be more strict laws or regulations where you live depending on where you drive.
7) Always think about safety first and driving safely.
Wrapping up
Never place loads directly on the roof panel. The roof panel is not designed to carry a load directly.
Make sure that everything is within your roof rack’s capacity limit.